This sparkling ginger lemongrass cooler is an invigorating and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, perfect for hot days or anytime you want a crisp, flavorful drink.
Fresh ginger and lemongrass infuse the syrup with vibrant flavors, while sparkling water adds a lively fizz.
This recipe is easy to prepare ahead and keep chilled for gatherings or afternoon refreshment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ginger and lemongrass provide a bright and aromatic base that is both flavorful and uplifting.
- The sparkling water creates a refreshing effervescence that balances the warming spice and herbaceous notes.
- Simple syrup makes it easy to control the sweetness and ensures it dissolves fully in the drink.
Sparkling Ginger Lemongrass Cooler
A refreshing and lightly sparkling non-alcoholic beverage combining fresh ginger, lemongrass, and citrus for the perfect cool down on hot days.
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 10 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (480 ml)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (120 ml)
- 1 cup sparkling water chilled (240 ml)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and lemongrass stalks for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the ginger lemongrass syrup In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, sliced ginger, and bruised lemongrass. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Lower heat and simmer gently for 8 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Then strain out ginger and lemongrass and discard solids.
- Assemble the cooler Fill four glasses with ice cubes. Pour 2 tablespoons of the ginger lemongrass syrup into each glass. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to each. Top each glass with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve Garnish with a lemon slice and a stalk of lemongrass if desired. Serve immediately for best effervescence and freshness.
Helpful Tips
- For a less sweet drink, reduce the syrup quantity per glass or dilute with more sparkling water.
- Bruising the lemongrass stalks (lightly smashing with the back of a knife) releases more flavor into the syrup.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter taste.
- Keep the syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days; discard if it develops off smells or mold.
- Make sure to chill the syrup and sparkling water well before assembling to keep the drink refreshing.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store any leftover ginger lemongrass syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not store the assembled drink for long as sparkling water will lose its fizz; best enjoyed immediately after assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?
Fresh lemongrass is preferred for vibrant flavor, but if unavailable, use 1 tablespoon dried lemongrass and steep it longer during syrup preparation.
Is this drink caffeine-free?
Yes, this ginger lemongrass cooler contains no caffeine, making it suitable for children and those avoiding stimulants.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, making this drink vegan-friendly.
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